2 Georgia’s GovernmentIt is the governing document that explains the laws, governmental offices, and citizens rights and responsibilities in the state of Georgia.What is the Georgia state constitution?

3 Georgia’s Government Structure of the Georgia state constitution:Preamble (Introduction)Articles (11 main articles)SectionsParagraphsWhat is the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution?

5 Georgia’s Government The three branches of government are the:Executive Branch: Carries out lawsLegislative Branch: Make lawsJudicial Branch: Evaluates or reviews lawsWhat are the three branches of government?

7 Structure of Georgia GovernmentNotice the similarities between the structure of the national and state governments.State Supreme CourtGovernor’s MansionState CapitalGeneral AssemblyGovernorLieutenant Governor

8 Courts at the state, county and city levels.Structure of Georgia GovernmentExecutive BranchLegislative BranchJudicial BranchCarries out the laws.Makes the laws.Evaluates or reviews the laws.Governor: Nathan Deal (Republican) 82nd GovernorLieutenant Governor:Casey Cagle (Republican)Also includes the head officials of these departments:Department of Agriculture, Attorney General, GA Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, Public Service Commission, Secretary of State, and State School Superintendent.General AssemblyHouse of Representatives: 180 members representing the citizens of Georgia.Senate: 56 members representing the citizens of Georgia.Courts at the state, county and city levels.Supreme CourtJuvenile CourtsCourt of AppealsSuperior CourtsProbate CourtsMagistrate Courts

9 Georgia’s GovernmentWhen the U.S. Constitution was written, the writers wanted to separate the powers of the branches of government so no one branch would have all or most of the power.They also included a system of “checks and balances” to keep the branches of government accountable to one another.The Georgia constitution was modeled after the U.S. Constitution.How do the separate branches of government ensure equal power among the branches?

12 Georgia Citizen Rights and ResponsibilitiesThe rights of Georgia citizens are found in Article I of the Georgia state constitution.Modeled after the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights.Along with our rights we have responsibilitiesWe must control our actions so we don’t harm others.What are the rights and responsibilities of Georgia citizens?

13 Georgia Citizen Rights and ResponsibilitiesRight to freedom of religionRight to keep and bear armsRight to freedom of speechRight to life, liberty and propertyRight to courtsRight to trial by juryRight to a lawyerRight to assembleRight to reasonable search & seizureWhat are the rights and responsibilities of Georgia citizens?

14 Georgia Citizen Rights and ResponsibilitiesActions that harm othersActions that are immoralActions that break lawsActions that infringe on other’s rightsWhat actions could take these rights away?

15 Georgia Citizen Rights and ResponsibilitiesWait! Don’t think that the government should only do things for the citizens. The citizens also have responsibilities to the government. Voting is an example of a citizen responsibility.Other examples of citizen responsibilities:Jury DutyServing in military when required.What are the responsibilities of Georgia citizens?

16 Election & Voter RequirementsYou must be 18 years of age or older.Be a citizen of the U.S.Citizen of Georgia and live in the county where you wish to vote.Be registered with the Secretary of State’s office 30 days before election.Have a VALID form of identification – such as a voter ID card, driver’s license or state issued IDWhat are the requirements to vote in Georgia?

17 Election & Voter RequirementsMay not vote if they have been convicted of a felony until they complete their sentence.May not vote if they have been found by a judge to have certain mental disabilitiesWhy can’t some people vote?

18 Election & Voter RequirementsRemember, the citizens or voters hold the power by electing officials to represent them and their interests.A general election is held in November on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in every even-numbered year.This is when national and state officials are elected.Other elections are held to elect officials or vote for issues, such as an increase in the sales tax.Run-off elections or specials elections are held when neither candidate receives at least 50% of the vote plus one.When are elections held in Georgia?

19 Political PartiesWhat are political parties?Groups of people who join together because of shared ideas and interestsHelp voters know what a candidate stands forTwo major political parties in US:DemocratsRepublicansMinor political parties also exist (Libertarian, Tea Party)Independents are not part of a particular political party

20 Political PartiesWhat are primary elections?Elections that select candidates who represent a political party at the General ElectionIn some states, voters must register as a Democrat or a Republican to be able to vote in primary electionsIn Georgia, any voter may vote in any party’s primary election at the state level

21 Voter ScenariosTammy has just moved to Atlanta from Houston, TX. It is the day before the election and she has decided that she wants to vote in this year’s presidential election. Can she vote in this year’s election? Why or why not?

22 Voter ScenariosAdam has lived in Conyers for a year and a half and loves getting involved in local politics. He has proof of residency proving that he is a legal resident of Georgia. However, Adam never changed his driver’s license from his home state of New York. The election is next week. Can he vote in the election? Why or why not?

23 Voter ScenariosSam has just been released from prison for robbery – a felony crime. He is not on probation and is anxious to find a job and get on with his life. His friends are encouraging him to vote for Senator Barack Obama for president. Sam is hesitant because he doesn’t know if he is eligible to vote. Can he vote in the election? Why or why not?

24 Voter ScenariosTasha just received a speeding ticket in DeKalb county. She’s never been in trouble with the law before and is nervous that this speeding ticket will go on her record. Can she vote in the election? Why or why not?

25 Voter ScenariosJake’s 18th birthday on Friday. The Friday before the election. He really likes John McCain and wants to help him win the presidency. Can he vote in the election? Why or why not?

26 Voter ScenariosRenee currently lives in Covington, GA (Newton County), but she is still registered to vote in Cobb County. The election is three weeks away. Can she vote in the election? Why or why not?

27 Voter ScenariosTony has suffered from many mental disabilities most of his adult life. He works at the local grocery store and owns his own home. The neighborhood kids even call him the crazy man because he sits on his front porch and whispers to himself. He is registered to vote. Can he vote in the election? Why or why not?

28 Voter ScenariosDr. Smith is what some call a “mad scientist.” He is a genius in the sciences and has even came close to discovering a cure for cancer. He is a celebrated doctor and scientists. Unfortunately, last year Dr. Smith was committed to a mental institution by a judge due to mental distress he suffered after the death of his cat. Can he vote in the election? Why or why not?